Episode LXXIV – The Peasants

We came upon them at dusk and attempted to be hospitable. But, try as we might, we could not get them to show us gold and jewels. Nor would they show proper reverence for the salvation that we might have offered if only they bowed before the shrine that we put before them, even when we beat them with sticks and stood on their necks with horse boots. Such a lack of piety could not be ignored. After burning their dwelling and crops, we slew both beasts and infants that we found hidden. While the latter might have made fine and righteous slaves, we left all these heretics to rot in the sun. Afterwards, we gave thanks and said many chants for we had cleansed the tainted. And, therefore, we had neither guilt nor need of confession.

Episode CCCII – The Lake of Doom

There are wheckers in this place. We knew that from the start. It looked like whecker country. But, we never suspected wheckers like this. It was dusk and we found ourselves approaching a peaceful lake and a pleasant beach where we could find a little peace in this torturous land. But, it was whecker country. Suddenly we encountered clouds of them. Small and voracious, they attacked without mercy, leaving each of us covered with huge welts that soon festered and began to ooze a dark, sticky liquid and to give off a horrid scent. Some driven mad threw themselves into a nearby lake and were put upon water beasts. Our existence was at stake!

Episode LXXII - The Deadly Rune

And, so coming upon the base of the great idol, anticipating all the jewels and gold that had been sacrificed to it as our rightful due, we found to our dismay evidence of the true sacrifice, the bones of beasts and men recently slain in horrendous ways and the scent of something unknown burning. Clawing the stone base in what seems to have been fits of morbid delirium of unknown cause, we came upon a carving of a lizard most foul.

If we had only judged it rightfully, we would have seen it as a warning of what was already happening to us and foretelling of worst to come. But, we knew not and passed it off as merely a heathen mark of no import to righteous pilgrims as ourselves and with club and blade defaced it as we would any unholy defilement. Thereupon, we turned away from this place of sacrilegious death and struggled onward, even as the landscape grew ever more steep and the odd stench of burning grew more intense.

Episode XXIX – The Idol’s Power

The jungle became even more impenetrable as trees grew next to one another and we were forced to squeeze between their trunks, covered with slime and scale. But, soon, even as our way became increasingly steep and impossibly root choked, the jungle gave way to open field and cooler, refreshing breezes. And, in the distance, we could see great shimmering statue, a heathen idol, a subject of perverse, bloodthirsty worship, promising us gold and glory. As we rushed toward it intent on destroying it, we began to stagger drunkenly and scream without control, our heads filled with wild visions of sinfulness and a strong need to express guilt in rigorous confession. Caring not how we appeared, we threw aside our weapons and shields and even our raiment. But, if only had we known how our unseemly our manner was. For, we were being watched. And, the eyes watching us were merciless eyes. This was no ordinary idol...